Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has openly criticized President Bola Tinubu for his delayed visits to regions recently affected by crises in Nigeria. Obi expressed concern over what he described as selective empathy and a leadership style characterized by “remote control,” which he warned sends a harmful message to grieving Nigerians.
In a post on his X handle on Tuesday, Obi acknowledged Tinubu’s planned visit to communities affected by the Benue massacre but stressed that similar attention should be given to Niger State, particularly Mokwa, where devastating floods reportedly claimed over 200 lives and left more than 1,000 people missing.
Obi stated, “It was refreshing news on Monday to a bewildered nation learning that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has finally decided to visit the scene of the brutal killings in Benue State. For this, I thank him.” However, he immediately called for equal compassion towards Niger State, emphasizing the urgency of prompt presidential visits in such emergencies rather than scheduling them for future dates that resemble state visits.
He further highlighted the importance of presidential presence in disaster-hit areas, noting that it can be “very reassuring and uplifting” for affected communities. Obi pointed out that both Benue and Niger States have suffered heavy losses, with over 200 lives lost in each tragedy. Specifically, in Mokwa alone, more than 200 deaths were confirmed, with over 1,000 people still missing due to flooding.
Obi also drew attention to the geographic proximity of these locations to Abuja, noting that Makurdi and Mokwa are about 282km and 287km away, respectively. He contrasted this with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent trip covering over 1,800km round trip to visit flood victims in Mthatha, where fewer than 100 people died.
“If the South African President could do it, we trust that you, as our own President, can do the same for your people,” Obi said, urging Tinubu’s visit to Mokwa to send a strong message that all Nigerian lives matter, regardless of how rural the community is.
He concluded by calling on Tinubu to not only be physically present but also to improve security and disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions, emphasizing the need for “proactive leadership that responds not just with words, but with compassion and action.”
